Homemade Cherry Pie a la Mode Crockpot Moonshine
Homemade Cherry Pie a la Mode Crockpot Moonshine
The Ultimate Sweet and Boozy Infusion
If you love crafting unique flavored spirits at home, making a batch of homemade moonshine in the slow cooker is an absolute blast. This recipe for cherry pie a la mode moonshine captures all the comforting, nostalgic flavors of warm baked cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, all packed into a potent, smooth batch of infused liquor.
By utilizing a red Crockpot to gently meld the flavors, this method combines high-proof Everclear with smooth vanilla Stoli vodka, rich cherry juice, fresh pitted cherries, and fragrant split vanilla bean pods. The slow-cooking process allows the natural sweetness and deep red color of the cherries to infuse into the alcohol, while the vanilla bean creates that creamy “a la mode” finish.
Whether you are bottling them up to share with friends, stocking your home bar, or gifting jars for a special occasion, this cherry pie moonshine is guaranteed to be a massive conversation starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Dessert in a Jar: Recreates the exact flavor profile of cherry pie a la mode in a smooth, spirited drink.
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Crockpot Simplicity: Using a slow cooker makes the infusion process effortless and hands-off.
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Stunning Presentation: The ruby-red cherry juice and whole cherries inside clear mason jars look professionally made.
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Great for Gifting: Bottling your moonshine into decorative Ball jars makes for an incredible handmade gift for holidays or cookouts.
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Customizable Strength: You can easily adjust the ratio of Everclear to juice and vodka to suit your preferred proof.
Ingredients
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Everclear: High-proof neutral grain alcohol to serve as the potent spirit base.
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Vanilla Vodka: Vanilla-flavored Stolichnaya (Stoli) vodka to add that rich, creamy ice cream flavor note.
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Cherry Juice: Rich, tart or sweet cherry juice to provide the deep red liquid base and natural fruit flavor.
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Fresh Cherries: Fresh sweet cherries, rinsed and pitted using a cherry pitter.
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Vanilla Bean: Whole vanilla bean pods, split down the center to release the aromatic seeds into the infusion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Pit the Cherries
Start by thoroughly rinsing your fresh cherries in a colander. Use a cherry pitter tool to remove the pits from all the cherries, leaving the whole fruits intact for the infusion jars.
Step 2: Split the Vanilla Beans
Place your vanilla bean pods on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to split them open lengthwise, exposing the fragrant vanilla seeds inside.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Add your cherry juice, fresh pitted cherries, and split vanilla bean pods into your red Crockpot slow cooker. Heat gently on your slow cooker to allow the flavors to meld and the cherries to soften slightly in the juices.
Step 4: Add the Alcohol Base
Stir in your high-proof Everclear and vanilla Stoli vodka into the warm fruit mixture, ensuring everything is well combined and infused with the rich vanilla and cherry notes.
Step 5: Jar and Bottle
Carefully ladle the warm cherry pie a la mode moonshine—along with several of the infused cherries—into clean, sterilized glass mason jars. Secure the metal lids tightly and let them cool completely before storing or serving.
Expert Cooking Tips
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Handle Everclear Safely: Because Everclear is an extremely high-proof, flammable alcohol, always keep your slow cooker away from open flames and ensure proper ventilation while mixing.
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Let It Rest: While you can sample it once cooled, letting the jars sit in your pantry for a week or two will allow the vanilla and cherry flavors to deepen significantly.
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Use Fresh Pitted Cherries: Pitting your own fresh cherries yields a much better texture and cleaner flavor than using canned pie filling.
Variations to Try
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Almond Extract Twist: Add a tiny half-teaspoon of pure almond extract to the Crockpot mixture to give the cherry flavor that classic bakery-style bakewell tart undertone.
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Spiced Vanilla: Drop a whole cinnamon stick into the slow cooker alongside the vanilla beans for a subtle spiced pie crust flavor.
What to Serve With Cherry Pie Moonshine
This potent dessert moonshine is best enjoyed ice-cold in small sips or shots. You can also pour it over a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream to lean directly into the “a la mode” theme, or mix it with ginger ale or cola for a fun, spirited cocktail.
Storage & Reheating
Pantry & Refrigerator Storage
Because this beverage has a high alcohol content, it can be safely stored in sealed mason jars at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry indefinitely. You can also store the jars in the refrigerator if you prefer to serve your moonshine ice-cold.
Freezing
Due to the high alcohol content, this moonshine will not freeze solid in a standard home freezer, though storing it chilled makes for a very smooth shot.
Reheating
This spirit is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. Do not heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular vodka instead of vanilla Stoli?
Yes, you can use plain vodka if needed, but the vanilla Stoli is what delivers that crucial “a la mode” ice cream flavor profile to the moonshine.
How long will homemade moonshine last?
Thanks to the preservative nature of high-proof alcohol like Everclear, properly sealed fruit-infused moonshines will last for years in your pantry, though the fruit inside will continue to soak up the alcohol over time.
Can I eat the cherries left inside the jar?
Yes! The cherries soak up a significant amount of the Everclear and vanilla vodka during the infusion process, making them a very boozy, fun treat for adults (just watch out for any stray pits!).
Final Thoughts
Crafting your own flavored moonshine at home is a fun and rewarding weekend project. This cherry pie a la mode moonshine combines fresh fruit, rich vanilla, and smooth spirits into an incredible bottled treat. Fire up your Crockpot and enjoy a batch with friends!
Homemade Cherry Pie a la Mode Moonshine
A delicious slow-cooker moonshine recipe made with Everclear, vanilla Stoli vodka, cherry juice, fresh pitted cherries, and split vanilla bean pods.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Fruit: Rinse fresh cherries and use a cherry pitter to remove all pits. Split the vanilla bean pods open with a knife.
- Slow Cook: In a Crockpot, combine the cherry juice, pitted cherries, and split vanilla bean pods. Heat gently.
- Add Spirits: Stir in the Everclear and vanilla Stoli vodka, allowing the mixture to infuse and warm through.
- Jar: Ladle the warm moonshine and cherries into clean mason jars.
- Cool & Store: Seal the lids tightly, let cool completely, and store in your pantry or fridge.
Notes
Boozy Fruit: The cherries in the jars absorb the alcohol; enjoy them responsibly as a fun adult treat!
